Research Projects

Most ORP oyster recovery projects that we undertake are large on-the-ground and in-the-water oyster recovery efforts. We are constantly evaluating and adapting our methodologies to determine the most cost effective and efficient ways to increase our productivity. We will periodically undertake research initiatives with our partners to answer specific scientific questions to better understand an element of the process.

Evaluating the ecosystem services of restored oyster reefs

Choptank River, MD
April 2009 - October 2010

The Oyster Recovery Partnership sought and received funds to evaluate the ecosystem services provided by restored oyster reefs. By filtering the water for their food, oysters naturally help to remove sediment and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus runoff, a significant concern in the Chesapeake Bay. This ecosystem study will not only measure nutrient absorption by oyster reef communities but also estimate the dollar value of these ecosystem services, which may be comparable to those of wetlands and marshes. The joint study is being conducted by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and the University of Maryland, College Park and the Oyster Recovery Partnership. The study will run from April 2009 to October 2010.